Double Ditch Indian Village State Historic Site

Double Ditch sits on a terrace overlooking the Missouri River. This earthlodge Mandan village was a busy, densely populated place founded around A.D. 1490. People lived here for about 300 years and created a major trading center. Mandan culture and economy were based on farming, native plant use, bison, and fishing. Their pottery indicates craft specialization. Vessels were likely manufactured and traded by some households. Other artisans produced antler bracelets. The village gradually became smaller due to epidemics, disease, and attacks from nomadic tribes. By 1785 the Mandans moved closer to the Hidatsas a few miles away. Learn the full story from the interpretive signs.

In the Lewis & Clark journals, William Clark wrote about visiting the abandoned Mandan earthlodge village known today as the Double Ditch.

Follow a paved path around the village. Explore the remains of earthlodges, midden mounds (trash heaps), and fortification ditches.